DESPITE having to face highly challenging conditions in what continues to be a difficult year for the motor industry, the UK has recently become Mazda's largest market in Europe.
Fuelled by the all-new Mazda3 and the smaller Mazda2 the Japanese car company set new all-time retail sales records for September of 11,400 units, a volume increase of 20%, while boosting its market share to around 3.1%.
In addition, Mazda's sales volume for September is said by the company to be the highest figure for a single month since the marque first arrived in Britain back in the Swinging Sixties, showing that records are well and truly made to be broken.
Following a predecessor which racked up the thick end of 65,000 UK sales, the all new Mazda3 features a 14 strong model line up.
Available with seven engines, four petrol in 2.3-litre 258bhp, 2.0-litre 149bhp DISI, 2.0-litre 148bhp and 1.6-litre 107bhp, each having the option of six and five-speed manual gear change plus five-speed automatic transmission. Diesel power, meanwhile, comes in 1.6-litre 107bhp and a brace of 2.2-litre oil burners delivering 148 and 182bhp respectively.
Legendary for providing generous levels of standard kit Mazda has delivered the new 3 with optional trim levels of S, TS, TS2 and Sport, the entry level S model including as standard the likes of four-speaker sound system with steering wheel mounted controls, six airbags, electric front windows, powered door mirrors, trip computer and multi information display, plus driver safety features including dynamic stability control, ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution plus traction control system.
Driven here is the Sport hatch model which follows the Japanese car maker's high standard levels of equipment formula by adding the likes of heated front seats, auto climate control, power folding door mirrors, an extra pair of sound system speakers, keyless Smart entry and Start system and even parking sensors to help parkers of a nervous disposition.
In either hatchback or saloon styling, Mazda3 is already recognised as a handsome looker and the Sports Styling Kit, 17-inch alloys, sports exhaust system and black sports trim add a further sense of style.
Within a friendly interior, the Mazda3 hatch marks up well in the head and legroom department for taller passengers and, while perhaps shoulder space may not suit everyone when seating for three in the rear is called for, there is ample room for twoin the back.
The Mazda3 also has plenty of onboard storage space while the well shaped boot is a decent size and the rear seats fold on a 60-40 basis to offer more room.
Inside the Mazda team has done a great job with much more appealing soft touch plastics and fabrics featuring in a modern design while trendy footwell lighting and door handle lights meet and greet occupants to complement the interactive ambient lighting system.
Within the all-new cabin are larger and more supportive front seats which contribute to a driving position facing deeply cowled instruments.
Powered by a smooth 2.2-litre 182bhp diesel engine paired with an equally smooth slotting six-speed manual transmission, the new Mazda3 has very agreeable roadway manners - easily one of the best in its class.
While road noise did intrude a little over some surfaces, plus there was a little intrusive clatter of the engine on start up, in the main, this is a pretty smooth operator.
FAST FACTS
Mazda3 2.2D Sport Hatch
Price: £20,285
Mechanical: 182bhp, 2,184cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 8.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 10
CO emissions: 149g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw